A Federal High Court, Abuja division, has refused to shut down all expenditures of Governor Siminalay Fubara of Rivers state pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit field by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly.
Recall that on Monday, July 15, the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly seized Rivers’ revenue account following the expiration of the 7-day deadline given to Governor Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget.
This move by the lawmakers will prevent Governor Fubara from spending any money on behalf of the state.
But Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling declined to grant the prayers and ordered the plaintiffs to put all the defendants in the suit on notice, Daily Nigerian reported.
As reported by Channels TV, the judge granted another motion ex-parte by the plaintiffs to serve the 5th to 10th defendants with the originating process and other applications in the matter by substituted means.
He held:
Justice Nwite thereby adjourned the matter until August 7 for hearing of the motion on notice.
TimesNow.com.ng understands that the lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, in the Rivers assembly are key allies to Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike, the former governor of Rivers state is at loggerheads with Fubara over the leadership of the state.
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that the clash between pro-Wike lawmakers and Governor Fubara had further worsened the political tensions in Rivers state.
Comrade Usman Okai, a prominent figure in Nigeria and chieftain of the PDP, advised Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prioritise the interest of Rivers state and make peace.
In an exclusive interview with TimesNow.com.ng, Okai listed suggestions to prevent further division, including Wike reconciling with Fubara or leaving the PDP if reconciliation fails.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
